LEO Lighthouse with Dr. Jesse Collins
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Dr. Collins answers your questions about LEO stress, relationships, depression, performance issues and other psychological aspects of life as a warrior.
This column is dedicated to awareness and prevention of the silent killer of LEOs, suicide. The tragedy of LEO suicide is especially troubling in that it occurs within the ranks of those whose job it is to save suicidal persons whenever possible.
Law enforcers often hesitate to speak out on the issue of enforcer suicide, because they often feel uncomfortable or find enforcer suicide it so inexplicable that they are at a loss for words. There is a real code of silence within the law enforcement community regarding the loss of fellow cops to death at their own hand. This discomfort can make them hesitant to approach another officer who is exhibiting signs of depression or who gives hints of suicide. Often these signals are simply discounted as joking or not real, because the reality is very difficult to face.
According to the National Surveillance of Police Suicide Study (O’Hara & Violanti, 2009; 2010), in 2008 there were 141 police suicides in the U.S. This contrasts with the 63 officers who were feloniously killed in the line of duty that year. This means that LEOs in 2008 killed themselves about 2.2 times as often as the homicidal criminals were killing them. This increased in 2009 with 143 nationwide officer suicides, contrasted with 60 felonious line of duty deaths in 2009, which increased to 2.3 times as often! According to the Badge of Life Suicide Prevention Group there were 145 police suicides in the US during 2010, with 81 felonious line of duty homicides, continuing the trend of previous years.
Why did they do it? According to Aamodt and Stalnaker (2006), the issues include: relationship/personal 23.1%, legal problems: 14.8%, work related stress 6.8%, psychological problems 4.0%, and financial 2.8%. Additionally, to smaller degrees: critical incidents, physical pain/illness, alcohol, and shame over minor work problems.
Is there a “profile” of a suicidal officer? According to Aamodt and Stalnaker (2006), an examination of suicide reports revealed that LEOs who committed suicide were usually white, about 37 years old, married, and had approximately 12 years of law enforcement experience. They usually killed themselves off duty, with a gun, and about half the time at home.
The challenges LEOs face are varied: real danger, administrative pressures, filling multiple roles on duty, family issues, financial pressure, and many others. Often this can leave them feeling burned out, over stressed, and unappreciated for their personal and professional sacrifice. When combined with alcohol and/or substance abuse, the emotional mix can become a toxic cocktail wherein death appears the only viable option for relief from pain and exhaustion.
Often suicidal persons will exhibit behaviors which offer clues to their state: statements of feeling that the world/family/friends would be better off without them; wishing they were dead or death would make them feel better. Also, giving away possessions and/or saying goodbye in a manner consistent with someone who expects to die, open depression, and listlessness. Sudden changes in weight, activities, values, and withdrawal from friends and family or other support structures are also possible indicators.
In particular, feeling hopeless and helpless to address their situation, sensing no way out; seeing suicide as the only solution, leaves them even more vulnerable to selecting death. There is an alternative. There is in fact help available. There are extensive resources, and caring professionals they can turn to.
If someone reading this is feeling this way, or knows someone who appears to be at risk, do not hesitate to act to save your life or theirs. You have been back-up or cover for so many LEOs already, don’t stop now. When you need assistance on the street you don’t hesitate to get on the radio and ask. Utilize that same action orientation and save yourself or a friend. Get help; the sooner the better. There is no shame in saving your own life. Just save it!
Resources/Reference:
- Agency Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to obtain a counselor (you can pay a counselor cash if you don’t want treatment reported to insurance)
- Peer Support Team (if available)
- Agency or private chaplain
- Badge of Life: www.bol.com
- TOAC: http://www.tearsofacop.com/police/stop.html
- In Harm’s Way: Law Enforcement Suicide Prevention: http://policesuicide.spcollege.edu/
- Police One: www.policeone.com
- Officer Down Memorial Page: http://www.odmp.org/
- P.O.L.I.C.E. Suicide Foundation www.psf.org
- Central Florida Police Stress Unit www.leostress.org
- The local crisis line or suicide hotline.
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Attention: Identities attached to reader submissions will remain anonymous, and Dr. Collins reserves the right to edit questions for clarity, brevity and broad relevance. This column is for general informational purposes only. Dr. Collins will be held harmless from any reader’s claim that their understanding or implementation of the advice in this column had an adverse effect. It is not intended as a replacement or substitute for professional counseling/therapy provided by a licensed psychological professional. Readers should seek professional counseling in their local community to address their specific situation.
